Nasarawa State, Gender Mobile Initiative Push for Safer Campuses with Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy

By Nuhu Murtala

Lafia, Nasarawa State– In a bid to tackle sexual harassment in higher institutions, the Gender Mobile Initiative, in partnership with the Nasarawa State Ministry of Education, organized a one-day sensitization workshop for heads of tertiary institutions. 

The event, held in Lafia, focused on adopting a model Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy and integrating the Campus Safety Initiative Framework across school

Representing the Commissioner for Education, Dr. John D.W. Mamman, the Director of Administration and Supply, Mr. Tsaku Kasa, described the workshop as timely. 

He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eradicating sexual harassment in schools, citing recent measures such as relocating female students of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, from off-campus housing to secured hostels.  

"The state government will not hesitate to sanction anyone found guilty of sexual misconduct,”* Mamman warned. He urged participants to share the knowledge gained and called for the initiative’s expansion to primary and secondary schools.  

Dr. Ibrahim Dauda, Acting Rector of Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, applauded the initiative, noting its potential to curb academic disruptions caused by harassment.  

“Many students have abandoned their education due to trauma from such incidents. This framework provides a clear path to prevention and accountability,” he said.  

Dr. Bello Abdul-Hakeem, a Director at the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), praised the collaboration, stressing that safer schools would help reduce Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis—particularly among girls. 

Dr. Feyisola Adeyemi of Gender Mobile Initiative outlined key components of the Campus Safety Initiative Framework including: A zero-tolerance Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy, Bystander intervention training,  The CampusPal App, a reporting tool for students, and Advocacy strategies for policy adoption  

The workshop ended with stakeholders pledging to implement the measures, ensuring safer and more inclusive campuses across Nasarawa State.